ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Thursday dismissed the pre-arrest bail applications of lawyers Imaan-Hazir Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, in a case related to a scuffle outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC), citing their non-appearance.
Read More: IHC grants bail to Imaan, spouse in ‘terror case’
The case was filed following a complaint by Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) President Syed Wajid Ali Gilani, after a heated exchange during a protest outside the High Court Bar Office. During Thursday’s hearing, neither Imaan Mazari nor Hadi Chattha appeared, prompting ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra to reject their bail pleas.
The illegal arrest of courageous human rights lawyer Advocate Imaan Mazari @ImaanZHazir
and her husband Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha @AdvHadiali
is a blatant violation of fundamental rights and the rule of law.
Abducted en route to court, no FIR shown, taken to unknown locations,… pic.twitter.com/mvD8wDaxoq— Riaz Baloch (@Itsbaloch_) January 23, 2026
Separately, the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Afzal Majoka was hearing the controversial tweets case against the couple. Despite repeated summons and adjournments until 11:30 am, the accused and their counsel failed to appear. Prosecutor Rana Usman told the court that the accused were deliberately present at IHC premises and requested the issuance of arrest warrants. The judge remarked that he was “free to pass appropriate orders” and directed the accused to appear in person at 8:30 am on Friday.
Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha spent a second consecutive night at the office of the IHCBA president. Hadi briefly visited the court for biometric verification before returning. Senior lawyers, including Babar Awan and IHCBA President Wajid Ali Gilani, visited the bar office to show solidarity.
Read More: Imaan, husband spend second night at IHC Bar amid arrest fears
A heavy police presence was maintained around the High Court, with strict vehicle checks. The couple had previously obtained protective bail in the tweets case from the Islamabad High Court, but another case was later registered by Islamabad police, resulting in their ATC bail dismissal.